Bird taking flight but Gallen struggling

NSW skipper Paul Gallen and lock Greg Bird have ditched their moon boots and returned to a light training run at Coogee Oval on Thursday morning.

Separated from the rest of the squad, Bird and Gallen underwent a fitness test under the watchful eye of NSW physiotherapist Liz Steet.

Of the two, Bird looked the more comfortable, jogging through a range of drills. Gallen however, was limited to stretching and core muscle work with the NSW skipper not attempting to run.

Bird had his left ankle strapped.

With NSW coach Laurie Daley hoping the pair will train with the full squad by Friday, Bird seems a near certainty to play but Gallen's fitness is the Blues' major concern heading into Wednesday's State of Origin decider.